Tampa Bay Buccaneers Officially Announce Veteran Defensive Lineman Re-Signing

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their offseason by retaining the services of defensive lineman Greg Gaines. The team officially announced Gaines' re-signing on social media Tuesday during the second day of the legal tampering period.

With three key Tampa Bay Buccaneers locked in for the 2024 NFL Season, the team turned its attention Tuesday to keeping some of the lesser-hailed members of the team. 

Defensive lineman Greg Gaines came over like quarterback Baker Mayfield did as a free agent from the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and he gave the Buccaneers 17 regular season games of service with two starts.

REPORT: Former Buccaneers All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion Pass Rusher Signs With Miami Dolphins

In that time, Gaines got one sack for Tampa Bay and 24 total tackles in his fifth NFL season.

While he may not have set the stat box ablaze, the Bucs felt he was important enough a role player that they brought him back, announced via press release on Tuesday afternoon.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today re-signed defensive lineman Greg Gaines," the team announced. "Gaines enters his second season with Tampa Bay after originally signing with the Buccaneers as a free agent during the 2023 offseason. Over 76 career games, including 27 starts, Gaines has recorded 146 tackles, 29 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Anthony Brown (12) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Greg Gaines (96) defends during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

"Prior to arriving in Tampa Bay, Gaines played four seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, who selected him in the fourth round (No. 134 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. The La Habra, California, native played collegiately at Washington."

Gaines is one of four former Washington Huskies on the roster with defensive tackle Vita Vea the most notable followed by outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and tight end Cade Otton.

Many have speculated the Buccaneers might add another former Huskies player, and Tryon-Shoyinka teammate, in the upcoming NFL Draft with edge defender Laiatu Latu tabbed in several mocks as a target for the team.

Given the departure of outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett — who is reportedly signing on with the Miami Dolphins — it would make a lot of sense to add the UCLA star who played for the Huskies before his transfer to the Bruins's program.

Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield Contracts Earn Buccaneers Strong Free Agency Grades from PFF

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook